Thank you for your testimony today.

The C-27J is critical in supporting ground forces to meet the last tactical mile requirements.

What happens to the--do you maintain the 961 spaces under those two plans?

To me, this is a great concern for the people I represent.

I am very disappointed that we have cuts in the Guard and Reserve envisioned in your plan.

Thank you very much.

I think if we look at the ratio of flag officers or general officers to the number of soldiers--and this is in every branch of the service, I believe--it is just--we are too top-heavy.

And TRICARE is so appreciated.

I think we ought to look at if they are not involved in the prepositioning of forces, if they are not expeditionary in nature, they ought to come out of Europe.

I disagree with that. And let me give you another area that I would like you to look at. And that is slowing our promotion system down.

I remain concerned by the fact that our female service members are wearing armor which was not specifically designed to fit their anatomy.

I will tell you that I am quite concerned about the SOUTHCOM AOR.

And then, also, I understand you have put emphasis on maintaining working lands in agriculture--that is, refocusing conservation efforts so that conservation is achieved but land doesn't have to be taken totally out of production.

I can tell you that we have proposed in this budget $60 million for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program.

Also in the same regard--and, again, this may be something you need to check on--but I understand that USDA is looking to complete the development and implementation of the Catfish Inspection Program.

I actually do remain concerned about the requirements that are going to be placed on those operating in interstate commerce.

I can appreciate the need to put the funding in for--to get the data.

These days it's gotcha this, gotcha that, and gotcha journalism and gotcha politics.